Thalassaemia
Thalassaemia is an inherited group of blood disorders affecting haemoglobin production. Haemoglobin is a protein in the blood that carries oxygen around the body. A reduction in the number of haemoglobin cells causes anaemia and, if left untreated, it can be life-threatening as the vital organs of the body, including the heart, lungs and liver, may fail due to lack of oxygen.
Thalassaemia can be divided into two main categories, alpha thalassaemia and beta thalassaemia, depending on which part of the haemoglobin is deficient. These can then be divided into three further classifications – thalassaemia minor, thalassaemia intermedia, and thalassaemia major. The treatment for each classification may vary slightly, depending on the individual and the clinical symptoms experienced.
More information on thalassaemia and related disorders can be found on the Thalassemia and Sickle Cell Australia website.
